TBF: Act now to help curb Gulf longlining bycatch

By The Billfish Foundation: With an August 31st deadline for the voicing of comments on reducing the bycatches of billfish and bluefin tuna by commercial longliners, The Billfish Foundation is asking the help of the recreational fishing communities, especially on the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts. "The highest level of marlin bycatch in the U.S. is caught by U.S. pelagic longline vessels in the Gulf," said Ellen Peel, president of The Billfish Foundation. "We're asking for the U.S. Government to close off commercial longlining from March to September, during the period of the highest incidence of bycatch of marlin and spawning bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico. Atlantic marlin are seriously overfished but spawning bluefin tuna are worse off. "TBF is pleased the National Marine Fisheries Service is willing to consider practical changes to the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan. But comments must be in by Monday, August 31, so we don't have much time. We're trying to get an extension of the comment period to build more awareness for billfish and tuna and the need for the closure.

Click the title link above to be taken to the complete story....

One of the World’s Best BillFishing Destinations

With input and suggestions from Anglers and Sport Fishing Captains from around the world, the OH-SI is designed to "Captain's Standards" to fulfill the desires of the fishing world. Set on the Pacific coast of exotic Guatemala in one of the world’s best bill fishing destinations, the Club OH-SI will make sure your days and nights are complete and full of fun and adventure. http://oh-si.com Call: 1-310-734-8432

The OH SI Offshore Series November 6-8, 2009

Starting November 6-8, 2009, the 2009-2010 big-game sportfishing season begins with the arrival of the world’s finest anglers, the most sophisticated boats to join the Captain’s for a BRAND NEW world-class professional sportfishing tournament, The OH SI Offshore Series. Up to 16 Teams will be brought together to compete for a once in a lifetime chance to truly prove they are the best anglers and teams in the world. Angler catch percentage, team catch ratios and total fish catches will be computed to find the best of the best anglers and teams. As we all know lucky does not prove the best but lucky is what gives you the opportunity to be the best. The series will take place in Guatemala where there will be no shortage of opportunities to show who is best. Call 310 734-8432

Presidential Sailfish Tournament

January 21-23, 2010. The Presidential Sailfish Tournament this year at Cheeca Lodge & Spa will be a momentous 20th annual tournament for Anglers, Captains and even Cheeca Lodge. This year Anglers are invited to stay at a special rate while fishing the tournament for the chance to experience their new Premier Oceanfront and Island View Suites. Call 800-327-2888 to book. This year's event will feature a change of venue. The Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament is once again part of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Tournament and the World Billfish Series. For more information, contact Liz Hill, Tournament Director, at 305-451-5094.

Pirate's Bounty Bash Halloween Tournament in Guatemala.

The Wildest Fishing Event on the PLANET is coming! Club OH SI proudly invites you to Guatemala for the most entertaining big game offshore fishing event ever. Join us in Guatemala for the festivities and be prepared for an incredible time with a Big Game Fishing Tournament, Poker Tournament and various other integrated events for points along the way. Intrigue at every turn! $2,125 per person. Entry Fee INCLUDES Lodging at Casa Vieja Lodge 2 double rooms per Team... All Meals included, All Charter fees included, ALL OHSI Parties Included, All Transportation Included, All Crew Tips...This will not be your normal FISHING EVENT! Reservations are filling up fast!

New Sport Fishing Country Club For Anglers

Following the lead of the Anglers and sport fishing Captains from around the world, the OH-SI has been designed to fulfill the desires of the fishing world. Set in one of the world’s best bill fishing destinations, the OH-SI will make sure your days and nights are complete and full of fun and adventure. World sports entertainment available on multiple screens including our 200 inch projection television. Inside and pool deck bars with full service, Pool and Hot Tub at the center of the grounds are set in a Tahiti style setting complete with multiple private Tiki cabanas and sweet flora gardens. The Club is a private, members-only country club, entertainment showroom, meeting facility, card room and watering hole for Captains, Anglers and their Guests. The 1st Fishing Country Club includes full service bars, hot tubs, pools, private cabanas and luxury concierge service. Meeting facilities with a capacity of 125 for parties, award banquets, captains meetings, special events, private retreats and intimate getaways. Contact the Manager@oh-si.com or call 310-734-8432 for more information.

11th Annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament October 13 - 17, 2009

11th Annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament to kick off tournament season, October 13 - 17, 2009. Los Cabos hosts several top fishing tournaments each year that attract competitors from across the globe. The 11th Annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, scheduled to take place from October 13-17, 2009, will commence the fishing season in the region.

Sustainable Management Plan for Billfish

After nearly a year, all seven countries of Central America have approved an agreement with The Billfish Foundation to create a sustainable management plan for billfish and other gamefish vital to growing sportfishing and tourism in the region. The conservation group has been working with the governments, some for more than a decade, for the expansion of conservation measures and laws to protect billfish stocks, primarily from overfishing by commercial interests while also implementing tag and release programs. The nations of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama comprise the seven countries of the region...http://tinyurl.com/o4y8ge

56th Club Náutico de San Juan International Billfish Tournament

The 56th Club Náutico de San Juan International Billfish Tournament will be held August 28 – September 3 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. http://www.igfa.org/2009_stories/56th_clubnautico.asp

37th annual USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament (ABMT)

Congrats to the Anglers in the 37th annual USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament (ABMT). Revenge netted the Top Boat prize, and Jon Jennings’s seven blue marlin releases netted him the Top Angler trophy. Started back in 1972 the Boy Scout Tournament proceeds have always benefited the VI Council of the Boy Scouts of America. http://www.abmt.vi/

Club Oh Si Invites You

Club Oh Si Invites you to the

"OHSI Pirate's Bounty Bash Invitational Series".

The most entertaining fishing event ever!

Dates: Oct 28 –Nov 1, 2009

Where: Puerto Queztal, Guatemala

"Tag, You're It!" - Billfish Foundation

"Tag, You're It!" is a new online feature for TBF, where we acknowledge and reward those who submit their cards legibly and correctly. We highlight one tag or release card each week and reward those who are selected with random fun prizes. Remember, if you don't fill out your cards in a complete and legible manner, TBF can not use your data… which means you miss out on fun prizes and the fish miss out on important science that helps keep them in the water!

IGFA Hall of Fame

Five talented sportsmen, all who have made significant contributions to the sport of recreational fishing, are scheduled to be inducted as the eleventh class into the International Game Fish Association's Hall of Fame this fall.

The announcement of the class of 2009 includes Carlos Barrantes Sr, Jack Erskine, Dr. Guy Harvey, Harlan Major and Stephen Sloan. The enshrinement ceremony is scheduled for October 27, 2009 and the public is invited to attend. http://igfa.org

Halloween FUN Tournament in Guatemala

Remember the Halloween FUN Tournament in Guatemala.

Join us in Guatemala for the festivities and be prepared for an incredible time: Fishing Tournament, Poker Tournament and Various other events along the way. Intrigue at every turn! This WILL NOT be your normal FISHING EVENT! Let us know! http://tinyurl.com/munrw7

The USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament

Good Luck to everyone at the Boy Scout Tournament, catch em up!!!!

http://www.abmt.vi/

The OH SI Offshore Series

NEW - The OH SI Offshore Series

Up to 16 Teams will be brought together to compete for a once in a lifetime chance to truly prove they are the best anglers and teams in the world. Angler catch percentage, team catch ratios and total fish catches will be computed to find the best of the best anglers and teams. As we all know lucky does not prove the best but lucky is what gives you the opportunity to be the best.

The series will take place in Guatemala where there will be no shortage of opportunities to show who is best. November 6-8, 2009; January 25-27, 2010; March 1-3, 2010 & April 23-25, 2010. More information at http://oh-si.com/